Keona Davis' versatility will prove to be major asset on the Miami defensive line

The Miami Hurricanes have a lot of talent on the defensive line, but there is also a lot of uncertainty. Last year's All-Americans, Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor, are in the NFL and the next wave of players must fill some enormous shoes.

Before training camp began, the Hurricanes' defensive line took a depth hit when Hayden Lowe was dismissed from the program. The move has left Miami a little thin up front and will force the defensive coaches to put their heads together and move guys around as necessary.

Luckily for Keona Davis, versatility is his middle name. The Nebraska transfer is used to playing everywhere on the line and is ready to jump in where he's needed. 

READ MORE: Miami adds former Nebraska starter with needed 275-pound help for Corey Hetherman

As a full-time starter last year with the Cornhuskers, Davis recorded 32 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks, with him rotating time between defensive tackle and playing wider against offensive tackles.

"Just like Nebraska, I'm still being moved around, being used in different [places], being put out wide...I'm not set in just one box. I can use multiple tools," Davis said during the spring.

Keona Davis should give Miami a lot of options on the DL

Davis, a 6-foot-5, 280-pound junior, was expected to spend more time at the 3 technique where defensive line coach Damoine Lewis could use his explosive strength and quickness on the interior pass rush, but defensive ends coach Jason Taylor has also had an opportunity to work with Davis out wide. 

With Lowe's departure, that leaves the Hurricanes with three designated edge rushers that have real experience. Damon Wilson II, a big-time transfer portal acquisition from Missouri, is solidified in his role, but Marquise Lightfoot and Armondo Blount are going to be expected to play on the other side at times and, especially in Blount's case, offer some snaps on the interior.

READ MORE: Projecting the Miami football two-deep depth chart at the start of training camp

Those sorts of numbers put a premium on health, which is why it's crucial for another edge to step up. But until that happens, Davis is going to have to be in two rotations on the defensive line and could eventually find himself as a spot starter at edge, defensive tackle or possibly nose guard. 

The good news is that Davis is up for the challenge and ready to soak up the knowledge that Lewis, Taylor and defensive coordinator Corey Hethernan are providing. He also took advantage of his spring in Coral Gables when Bain and Mesidor were around to offer advice.

"When we were doing reps on the tires, [Mesidor] came up to talk to me and told me I was throwing up my hands too early or doing it too late," Davis said. "It was really helpful to have them here."

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